Delivered by Malvin and Evelyn from the Parish of Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Makassar, Indonesia. Romans 6: 12-18; Rs psalm 124: 1-3.4-6.7-8; Luke 12: 39-48.

TRUSTED MUCH,DEMANDED MUCH

The title for ourmeditation today is: Trusted Much, Demanded Much. There was a soccer coachchoosing his best players for a big game. Each player was given the awarenessthat the choice indeed made them the best in their respective positions.Everyone and supporters had great hope that the players would perform theirroles very well. They must obey every coach's instruction and compete the gamewith high motivation. The coach told each player in this way: each player isgiven a great trust, so he is required to do much and the best.

This illustrationalso reflects the reading of the gospel of today, especially what we read atthe last part of the passage. The subject of Jesus' teaching is still aboutpreparedness of the servant who in every moment of life is obliged to followthe rhythm and will of the master. We put ourselves in this life of faithbecause we are God's servants to pattern our lives following Jesus Christ, ourTeacher. Each of us looks at ourselves and read carefully about our calling tofollow the way and will of God. Therefore, we are given trust and are demandedaccording to that trust.

What is trust likeand how trust is shown in actions reveals how important and how much demands tobe fulfilled by every one of us. The apostle Paul's letter to the Romans in thefirst reading speaks about trust that is manifested in the grace given to everybeliever who follows and obeys Jesus Christ. Every believer surrenders himselfor herself to be used by God. This means each is given a gift. The realmanifestation of that gift is seen in one’s own calling, profession, service,work and mission.

The gifts as husbandand wife and parents are asked for their dedication, and these demandresponsibility from this important call. This demand is of course much greaterthan for a child. The gift of priesthood to a parish priest requires fordemands that is greater than his parishioners. The teacher bears greaterdemands than his or her students. Elder brother is required more and hasgreater responsibility than the younger siblings. The list for sure will belong, and for us, the realization of these demands is the fruit of ourworthiness and salvation in the Kingdom of God.

Let's pray. In the name of the Father... Our generous and loving Father, strengthen us in every calling and servicethat we make to form us to be your good and faithful servants. Glory to theFather and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit ... In the name of the Father ...